Carjackings happen quickly, often violently and now, more often than ever before in Winnipeg.

In just one year the number of carjackings in the city more than doubled from 50 in 2017 to 103 last year.

By the end of August this year, police had reports of 76 and believe they are on track to another record.

“The numbers are significant in terms of the trendline up,” Const. Rob Carver said. “This year we will easily surpass the numbers of the last five years.

Carjackings are also leading to police chases, shootings, and more violent crime, said Carver.

“They’re ramming police cruisers to get away — one we had to shoot at somebody,” he said. “That is extreme levels of violence, also levels historically we have not seen.”

Carver said in the past, most of the carjackings tended to happen in specific areas of the city but now, they are happening everywhere.

“I’ve watched it spread throughout the city,” Carver said. “We are seeing carjacks in areas that you would just not expect it… shopping malls and places where we tell people you’ll be safe.”

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